Recurring Ostomy Leaks Despite Using Extra Rings

I thought we had my problem with leaks solved. The nurses had set me up where I use one and a half rings as I have a dimple. Problem solved? I thought so. Went one week with no leaks. Then the wee hours this morning I woke up to a leak at the exact same spot as before, top of the flange. I pray it was just a fluke and doesnt happen again. The company I get my supplies from says im just wasting money using 1 1/2 rings and wants me to switch over to a different flange, called a convex flange. Does anyone have any experience with the convex flange? I should mention my nurse does not want me to switch as she feels it will not work for me.

I use a convex pouch with great success.  Seems to me like you don't have much to lose by contacting Hollister,  Coloplast, etc. and requesting some samples.  An added bonus of the convex pouch is that you can use one of the elastic belts to keep the pouch snug against your belly.



Good luck Pammer.



Dave

Hi, I had my ileostomy 3.5yr ago and had trouble with leaks because of my shallow dimple so my nurse changed me over onto pouches with convex flanges, then added circular seals and eventually seals for the outside edge of the flange but still got occasional leaks and always soiled under the seal.

Suspected that the convex flange and added seal were too bulky for a shallow dimple. Found a small seal which was well recommended on various forums and ordered some samples six months back and haven't looked back since. These are Eakin Cohesive Slims which have a 48mm diameter. They mold easily and adhere direct to the skin without any problem, provided the surface is perfectly clean and dry, with all adhesive residue removed. I flatten the outer edge of the seal between my fingers so that it fits flat to my skin with no prominent edge and completely cover all flesh right  up to the stoma nozzle. The hole in the flange then needs to be cut so that there is a 1/8th inch gap around the stoma. No leaks, no seepage since.

The convex flange and Eakin seals work a treat for me however, we all have different size Stomas, some with folds, others flat. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try a different regime; there is something out there which will suit your needs; hope you find it soon. Regards, John